Dr. S. Ayyappan DG, ICAR vistis Sasya Shyamala KVK, Ramakrishna
Mission Vivekananda University
Krishi Vigyan Kendra-East Sikkim, ICAR Sikkim Centre, Ranipool organised Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting (2014-15) of KVK on 5th December, 2014 at KVK East Sikkim, Ranipool. The meeting was chaired by Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. Sh. P.T. Bhutia, Director, Horticulture, Govt. of Sikkim and Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre graced the meeting as Guest of Honour. More than 20 statutory SAC Members from different line departments, NRC-Orchid, Pakyong, ATMA, East Sikkim, CAE&PHT, CAU, Ranipool, Doordarshan Kendra, SIMFED, Gangtok participated. Scientists of ICAR Sikkim Centre also attended the programme.
Farmers’ representatives from Upper Nandok Sh. Gokul Rai, Sh. Karma Dichen Bhutia, Member, Council of CAU and N/E cum Sikkim Organic Mission, progressive farm women Smt. Man Kumari, Smt. Maya Bhutia, BFAC President attended the programme as Honorary Members and raised their problems in the meeting.
At the beginning, Dr. R.K. Avasthe welcomed all the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee. In his address he stressed upon the conservation of indigenous agricultural crop diversity available in Sikkim. He expressed gratitude to the Director, ICAR Research Complex, Umiam for his presence in the meeting despite of his busy schedule.
At the outset, Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Director, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, briefed the importance of SAC for the formulation of strategies and action plan of KVK, development of agriculture and allied sectors in East district of Sikkim. Keeping an eye upon the organic state, he emphasized on the challenges which requires specific efforts for successful dissemination of technology in the state. He informed about the availability of several chow-chow (Squash) land races in Sikkim which are having anti-carcinogenic and may be used to make value added products. He raised the issue of food and nutritional security in the state and also for the whole North Eastern States. To achieve self sufficiency in nutritional security, people must have access to a variety of nutritious foods which may be supported by new technologies for organic production. Further, he stressed upon the training programmes should be organized in such a manner that the young generation especially youth may become a part in agricultural and allied activities and makes it more profitable venture through agri- prenureship.
Programme Coordinator (I/C) of KVK East Sikkim Dr. Raghavendra Singh and Member Secretary of SAC made a presentation on Action Taken Report of the preceding SAC Meeting held in 2013 and also the progress report of 2013-14 of KVK East Sikkim.
Sh. P.T. Bhuita, Director (Horticulture) Govt. of Sikkim asked the ICAR scientists to support the organic farming through adaptive research. He also stressed upon the ICAR to provide suitable technology for minimizing the production cost especially for vegetables.
All the members gave the constructive suggestions for the development and livelihood security for the farming community in the State.
Chairman of the committee appreciated the work done by the KVK, East Sikkim and called for establishment of close linkage with line departments like SIMFED, ATMA, NHB, DDK to reach the farmers doorsteps. In his closing remarks, he strongly advocated upon organic seed production to meet the seed requirement of the state.
The meeting ended with the vote of thanks given by Member Secretary of SAC.
